Bayonetta 2 Review

The year's most stylish witch.

 Many fans were shocked to know that the sequel to Platinum Games' 2009 hack-and-slash game, Bayonetta, will be exclusive to Nintendo's Wii U. However, Bayonetta 2 improves upon the stylish nature of the first, with more faced-paced action and the continuous use of the word "climax". Does Bayonetta 2 have the chance to become this year's best action title, as well as the best Wii U game? 

STORY- The story is cheesy as ever in Bayonetta 2. Picking up months after the first game, Bayonetta and company are buying some Christmas gifts, however, they are soon attacked by angles. They're victory didn't last long when fellow Umbran Witch and friend, Jeanne, is accidentally dragged to inferno. Again its cheesy and over-the-top at times, but that's

what gives its charm. Also, those who have played the previous game will find that many characters have gotten a redesign, especially Bayonetta.

Bayonetta is back and
better than before.

GAMEPLAY- The core gameplay

hasn't drastically changed from its predecessor, only improved. 'Witch Time' returns and can be activated when Bayonetta dodges an upcoming attack as well as her 'Torture Attacks', which are deadly and brutal as they sound. A new mechanic called "Umbran Climax" which is activated when the magic meter is full, allowing Bayonetta to deal extra combos and attacks for a short period. 

Combat has been refined and
 improved.

 The biggest addition to Bayonetta 2 is the two-player mode, "Tag Climax".In Tag Climax, you bet Halos (the game's currency) weather or not you can set the highest score or not, the difficulty is also increased.However, since this is a two-player mode, a friend can join the fight and overall more fun.Also, and probably the best aspect of this mode is CPU option, which is handy if there aren't any friends who can join or available parties.

Tag Climax is best feature
 of Bayonetta 2.

 Since Bayonetta 2 is exclusive to Wii U, there are some pretty neat extras and features.There are the usual control setups: the Gamepad which supports touchscreen countrols and off-TV play.However, using the Wii U Pro Controller is the ideal way to enjoy the game.Also, there is Miiverse functionality such as posting comments and collecting Umbran Crows to unlock stamps.Furthermore, the Nintendo-themed costumes returns with some new additions, including a Star Fox costume.

The Star Fox costume is also one of
the best features of the game.

PRESENTATION- Bayonetta 2 looks great on the Wii U with a smooth 60 frames per second, which I had no issues with on my playthrough.The level design is varied and full of interesting areas. Most notably, however, is Bayonetta's new look, which is great and distinctive from her

original look. Furthermore, the voice acting is great as ever in Bayonetta 2, with characters such as Helena Taylor (Bayonetta) and Yuri Lowenthal (Luka) providing a great performance. The soundtrack is catchy and memorable as the original, with tracks such as 'Tomorrow is Mine' are a nice example of the game's production values.

Bayonetta and her friends are
looking good on the Wii U.

OVERALL- Bayonetta 2 stands as Platinum Games' best title and the best action game I've played in years.The action is over-the-top and faced-paced as well as co-op mode, Tag Climax, which provides high replay-value.Its certainly the best action game you'll find on the Wii U and a strong GOTY contender. 

OUTSTANDING